PhD Studentship: Ticking Clocks, Thriving Crops: Developing Climate-Resilient Crops Through Circadian Biology (DODD_J24DTP)

Primary supervisor - Professor Antony Dodd 

Climate change poses a significant threat to our food supply, but you can be part of the solution! In this groundbreaking research project, we're investigating how plants adapt to changing seasons and temperatures, with a focus on ensuring robust crop production despite environmental challenges.

You’ll explore the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and their role in shaping the life cycle of winter-grown crops. Using Arabidopsis plants as a model, you'll gain unprecedented insights into how plants respond to seasonal cycles and climate change at a molecular level. You’ll achieve this using a new, unique facility at the John Innes Centre to study physiology, development and gene expression in simulated future climates.

By joining us for a PhD, you’ll work within our circadian biology research group to contribute meaningful research that addresses challenges with a deep impact in food security, for present and future generations. You’ll also develop a broad range of valuable skills and expertise that are applicable to diverse career paths.

Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative plant science, and help shape the future of agriculture. Working in the laboratory of Professor Antony Dodd, in collaboration with Professor Steve Penfield, you’ll conduct world-class research to mitigate the impact of climate change on food production, forging a path towards a greener, more resilient world.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply please visit here

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.